The stigma of being an only child in this society is typically negative. Growing up, I got these same questions/comments over and over:
1. "Dang, you must be spoiled rotten."
2. "What's it like getting everything you want?"
3. "Wait, you literally don't have to share anything?"
Now, I'm not saying there's absolutely no truth in those comments, but either way, it's actually nobody's business how my parents choose to treat and raise me.
I am an only child, and I am one whether I like it or not. Why? Because I had zero control over whether I would even have siblings. I did not choose my home-life, I did not choose the way I was raised.
One of the worst assumptions people make about only children is that we are "spoiled". No, I didn't have to share a bedroom or a bathroom or a television most of the time. And no, it wasn't super strenuous for my parents to send me to college. In that aspect, I have been truly blessed. However, many of the things my parents gave me, I had to work for.
Gas for my car? I had to start doing my own laundry every week.
Brand new French Horn? I had to make The Texas All-State Band.
Books for college? Geez, I had to pay for those myself. Just because I don't have to share my belongings with other people, does not mean I am spoiled and swimming in luxuries.
But here's what I missed out on. For one, every family event consisted of me and my parents. Not that I don't have a close relationship with my parents, I do, but I do wish I had another person close to my age to relate to. Family vacations aren't always sunshine and rainbows when you're an only child.
Also, there is immense pressure on an only child. Our parents get one chance to have that "golden" daughter/son. Growing up, I was involved in everything.
My parents wanted me to be as well-rounded as possible. I was committed to activities such as basketball, softball, soccer, swimming, gymnastics, cheerleading, dance, horseback riding, piano lessons, French Horn lessons, and marching band. I am BEYOND thankful to have had the encouragement and motivation from my parents to succeed, but that took a lot of work on my part to not disappoint them.
The point I want to make is, being an only child is not a perfect, spoiled lifestyle.
It has a lot of pressure and occasional loneliness. But I still would not change the only child lifestyle for anything. It gave me a life where I have been able to travel the world with my parents and have seen so many amazing things. It gave me a close-knit and honest relationship with my parents that I may not have had otherwise.
I am thankful and proud to be an only child.
